Flooding left many roads, bridges damaged in Dale County

OZARK – Tuesday’s sunshine signaled relief from flood waters that devastated much of the northern part of Dale County and led to millions of dollars in road, bridge and building damages statewide.

County Emergency Management Agency Director Robert Marsh said there were less than 50 individual reports of major and minor damage countywide, but that about 35 roads were either closed or damaged from the heavy downpour between March 30 and April 3.

Dale County Assistant Engineer Joshua Knight said which roads remained closed in the county was not immediately available on Tuesday.

Marsh said most other damage was concentrated around the Newton area, where the Choctawhatchee River peaked above its 19-feet level to more than 20 feet.

Marsh said considerable damage from straightline wind was reported early Monday morning near Ariton.

While federal EMA officials had yet to tour Ozark’s damage on mid-Tuesday, city Public Works Director Steve Price said an estimated $50,000 in damage closed Peacock Parkway, near Carroll High School, after the flood.

The road is expected to reopen next week.

“Our guys did a good job of getting prepared for the storm and maintaining drains so we didn’t suffer any more damage than we did,” Price said.

“Peacock Parkway is a very important road so we wanted to get it back no matter what it took, but we’re hopeful for some relief.”

Money used for repairs could likely be recouped through FEMA monies likely to come to Dale and about 19 other counties after Gov. Bob Riley declared them major disaster areas.

A press release from Riley’s office said the governor requested federal assistance for the state on Friday. State officials said it had not been confirmed on Tuesday whether the request had been granted.